A schoolgirl is training to be a football referee thanks to our Make It Happen community fund scheme.

Ragdale Hall put up £10,000 again to help charities and organisations in the Melton borough and some of the cash is being made available to Mia Atherley and Asfordby Amateurs Ladies, Girls and Inclusive Football Club.

Judges recently awarded £200 to pay for 14-year-old Mia’s training and kit after the club applied to the scheme earlier this year.

Amateurs officials say it will save them money by having their own qualified match day official instead of having to foot the bill for one for each match.

Club president Sharon Reason said: “We have to pay for referees and they are not cheap.

“There are also not that many referees and not many females ones so by getting Mia qualifed it ticks all the box for us as a club.

“It also keeps the money in the club because we will have our referee for games.”

Mia, who attends John Ferneley College in Melton, plays for the club’s under 16s and coaches the younger age group teams at Amateurs.

She has been booked on a referee’s course and the club is hoping she will be qualified within six months.

Mrs Reason added: “Mia will be able to referee the younger children’s matches. She’s been with the club seven years and we’re really pleased she has asked to do this.”